This is the document translation process from receiving an initial job request to managing, completing and invoicing orders. | Process step | Control and check | Information needed | | ------------------------------------ | ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Opportunity confirmed | | Customer PO number | | Create card in CRM | | Number of words<br>Client company<br>Agency name<br>Job type<br>Estimate number | | Set up Trados project | | Source document | | Set up project in Notion | | Number of words<br>Client company<br>Agency name<br>Domain<br>Job type<br>Estimate number | | Translate (do the work) | | | | Proofread | standardize terms | terms database project | | Check with antidote | | | | Read back text with text to speech | Optional | Microsoft Word | | Generate target documents | | | | Deliver the target to the customer | | | | Update WPH rate in Trello and Access | | Trello Card and Access project number | ## Process to respect deadlines We developed this order management process to have a repeatable method, not reinvent the wheel each time. And also to demonstrate that we manage orders efficiently, and give ourselves and our customers the confidence that we will keep to agreed deadlines. ## The Translation Process There are many ways to translate a document, but professional translators need to maintain quality and so use software to repeat and continuously improve the process. ![[translation-process.png|Flowchart illustrating the document translation process from order to delivery]] Centralizing order data makes following up much easier. The number of words + task type (translation, proofing, transcription) + due date enables you to determine if the job is feasible. ![[translation-process-end-end.png|Diagram showing the end-to-end translation workflow]] We do our translations in [Trados](https://www.sdltrados.com/), which decomposes input documents into two columns, source and target. You can then complete the translation, check the spelling and grammar with Antidote, and export the target with all the formatting of the source. ![[translation-process-canvas.png|Visual overview of the translation process in a canvas format]] ![[Translation process.canvas|Concept map of the translation process]] ## Five Essential Tools for Translation The following five software tools are key for translating documents: - Trados CAT tool to import documents and translate source to target. - GT4T to provide a draft machine translation - Dragon Naturally Speaking to dictate target translation - RWS Text to Speech (TTS) to play back the target and make sure it sounds right - Antidote to correct spelling, grammar, and readability ![[five-tools-for-translators.png|Icons representing the five essential translation tools: Trados, GT4T, Dragon, TTS, Antidote]] To follow is a more detailed explanation of each of these software tools used for document translation. ## Trados the core translation tool Trados in the leading computer assisted translation tool. ![[RWS-Trados-Studio.webp|Screenshot of RWS Trados Studio interface]] Trados will import any file, although we recommend converting PDFs to Word first. Once imported, the document displays as two columns, source and target. ![[trados-source-target.png|Trados interface showing source and target columns for translation]] After translation, you can simply generate the output and Trados will reconstruct the document in the target language, retaining the same formatting as the source: paragraphs, tables, sections, bold, italics, text colours and embedded images. It is an ideal interface in which to work since every document is presented in the same way: source on the left, segments to complete on the right. ## Machine Translation With GT4T GT4T provides access to translation engines to translate Trados files native. This draft is then available within Trados for proofreading and correction. ![[GT4T-machine-translation-tool.png|GT4T machine translation tool interface screenshot]] A raw machine translation usually requires manual correction or extensive proofreading. This is where the other tools come in handy, such as TTS to read back, Antidote to check form. ## Voice Input With Dragon Naturally Speaking Dragon Naturally Speaking is a speech to text tool to dictate your translation directly into the target segments in Trados. For it to be effective, you will need a good microphone, a headset, and a reasonably fast computer. ## Conclusion A well-structured document translation process is essential for delivering high-quality results on time and with consistency. By combining robust project management practices with specialized translation tools like Trados, GT4T, Dragon Naturally Speaking, RWS Text to Speech, and Antidote, translators can streamline their workflow, maintain accuracy, and ensure client satisfaction. Whether you are managing a single document or coordinating multiple projects, following a repeatable process and leveraging the right technology will help you meet deadlines and uphold professional standards in every translation assignment.